Rossville High School Honored as Leading Chapter in National Speech and Debate

Rossville High School has announced its recognition as one of the nation’s Leading Chapters in the prestigious National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). This honor places Rossville High School among an elite group of educational institutions dedicated to fostering excellence in speech and debate education.

In 2023, the Stinger Speech Team was named the Leading Chapter in the Hoosier Heartland District, making it one of only four schools in Indiana to receive this national recognition. This distinction emphasizes the commitment of Rossville High School to empower its students with essential communication skills and critical thinking abilities.

The NSDA Leading Chapter Award recognizes schools for their outstanding dedication to speech and debate education. Executive Director J. Scott Wunn states, “Only approximately 3% of schools are recognized as Leading Chapter Award winners.” Rossville High School’s achievement reflects its significant contribution to speech and debate education, highlighting its commitment to student development and academic excellence.

With a total of 138 high school students enrolled in Student Media, Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, and Advanced Speech classes, Rossville High School boasts a remarkably high percentage, over 52%, of membership in the NSDA. This impressive figure played a pivotal role in securing the Leading Chapter Award, underscoring the school’s dedication to providing students with enriching opportunities for growth and learning.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna expressed gratitude to Mr. Jason Newhouser for his unwavering leadership of the speech and debate program. “Speech and debate teach vital skills to students on their way to becoming successful, productive members of society,” Hanna remarked. “We are proud to provide these opportunities to our students and are extremely grateful for Mr. Newhouser’s efforts.”

For more information about Rossville High School and its Leading Chapter recognition, please contact Jason Newhouser at 765-379-2990 or[email protected].

The National Speech & Debate Association serves as the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States, offering educational resources and training for students and coaches. For nearly a century, the NSDA has provided a platform for youth voices, culminating in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.